Category: Checkups

Oral Cancer: Hidden causes and prevention

Feb, 6, 2017

Most people don’t think much about oral cancer, but we do. Consider this – 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year with cancer of the oral cavity or pharynx, and one in five of those people will die from it, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. That’s why every time we look into your mouth, we’re watching for signs of cancer, just to be sure you stay healthy.

And during every regular checkup/exam/cleaning at Meyer & Johns Dental, we specifically conduct an oral cancer screening. It’s that important.

Oral cancer screenings save lives — *Regular dental screenings can spot signs of oral cancer before they surface.*

How Can You Tell?

Oral cancer generally presents itself in obvious and painful ways; sores or growths in your mouth that don’t heal after two weeks, lumps or swollen lymph nodes under you jaw or in your neck, unexplained numbness or bleeding in your mouth, difficulty or discomfort swallowing, or changes in how your bite feels.

Monthly self-exams can help identify problems early. Regularly look at the inside of your mouth, and feel your cheeks and neck for lumps or painful swelling. If you find something unusual or uncomfortable, visit us right away or contact your physician.

Oral Cancer’s Risk Factors

The risk is higher in men than in women, and increases significantly after age 40, but it can appear in anyone. Many factors can heighten your risk of developing oral cancer, including:

· Tobacco use (either inhaled or smokeless)

· Heavy alcohol consumption

· A diet low in fruit and vegetables

· HPV (Human papilloma virus) infection

· Excessive sun exposure (particularly as a child)

The Good News

You can mitigate your risk by eliminating tobacco use, drinking only in moderation, eating balanced meals, and using sunscreen. Your body will thank you for these actions, regardless of the risk of oral cancer.

Also, it’s a very treatable disease. American Cancer Society statistics show that the 5-year relative survival rate for localized stage oral cancer is 83%. Radiation therapy is the most common method, although chemotherapy is occasionally used as well.

But early detection is your best defense, and another reason that regular dental visits are so important. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We want you – and your mouth – to be as healthy as possible.

Periodontal Disease: Dentistry Isn’t Just About Teeth

Aug, 26, 2016

Your gums are a critical component of oral health, and deserve some discussion of their own.

Healthy gums support and cushion your teeth and help to protect them from decay. Taking care of your gums is taking care of your teeth.

Gum disease is most often caused by plaque build up due to poor dental hygiene, but other factors such as genetic predisposition, illnesses that affect the immune system, and smoking can increase the risk significantly. There are two major types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria that live in plaque. This causes the gums to become red and inflamed, which can cause bleeding and pain during brushing. Although the gum tissue is irritated, no damage occurs to the teeth or jaw at this point. However, if allowed to progress, Gingivitis can (but doesn’t always) lead to a more serious condition, periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis, or infection of the gums, is a serious disease that can damage gums, cause tooth loss, and even damage the jawbone. It occurs when the gum tissue and bone pull away from teeth, forming small pockets that can become infected. Toxins collect in these spaces, and slowly erode the bone and tissue that surround teeth. This erosion loosens teeth, eventually causing them to fall out, and can eat away at bone in the jaw.

Prevention

The great news is that gum disease can usually be prevented—and often reversed, if identified early—by good oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily, and have your teeth cleaned twice a year.

If regular brushing hurts your gums, or if you notice them bleeding, you can always come in for an exam to be sure everything is okay. We’re always here to help.

Hate to Wait? Same Day Crowns at Meyer & Johns.

May, 25, 2016

Let’s face it; no one likes to wait—especially if it’s for a medical procedure.

At Meyer & Johns, we do our best to address the needs of our patients in a timely manner. That’s why we are pleased to offer Same Day Crowns.

To accommodate a crown, the tooth usually must be reduced in size. Then, a cast is made of the tooth for an impression, which is then sent to a special lab where the crown is made. Some cases require a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being manufactured. However, Same Day Crowns are available if one is a viable option for your needs.

Same Day Crowns are most often used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure or when decay in a tooth is so advanced that portions of the tooth must be removed.

Crowns look natural in appearance and are an excellent way to restore the aesthetics of discolored or stained teeth.

Unlike veneers, which are typically applied to small areas, crowns are placed over the top of the tooth and are quite durable, lasting up to a decade with proper dental care and hygiene.

If you have teeth that are discolored, cracked or chipped, don’t wait. Contact Meyer & Johns, today for more information on Same Day Crowns and all of our cosmetic dentistry services.

Take the Bad Out of Breath

May, 18, 2016

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. There are a number of causes of bad breath as well as some simple solutions.

First, bad breath is a nuisance, embarrassing and can limit or inhibit your interaction with others. However, bad breath can also be a sign of health problems. So, chronic bad breath is not to be ignored.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush regularly causes bacteria to grow inside the mouth. This not only causes bad breath, but also leads to cavities and other dental problems. Brush and floss at least twice a day, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Keep a toothbrush at work or school so it’s handy to brush after lunch. After brushing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is another good way to freshen breath and keep your mouth healthy.

Because bad breath can be a warning sign of other health issues, regular dental checkups and cleanings are extremely important. During the exam and routine cleaning, your dentist can check for gum disease, plaque build up and other potential problems.

Certain health conditions or bad habits can also cause bad breath. For example, smoking and chewing tobacco are both extremely dangerous habits—contributing to not only bad breath, but also serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Other health conditions such as acid reflux, sinus infections and dry mouth are common causes of bad breath.

If you’re suffering from halitosis, and want to do something about the bad in your breath, start with making an appointment for a check up, today.